From Fresh Pumpkins to Dried Snacks

From Fresh Pumpkins to Dried Snacks In Sichuan, China, workers are turning what locals call Golden Honey Pumpkins into dried pumpkin strips. And despite the size of this operation, much of the preparation is still done by hand. Workers use sharp handheld peelers to strip away the tough outer skin. Each pumpkin is rotated and scraped until the bright orange flesh is exposed. The pumpkins are then cut open, with their seeds and fibrous centers removed before the flesh is sliced into smaller strips. Once prepared, the strips are loaded into large metal cages and moved by forklift to the processing area. From there, conveyor belts carry them through an industrial drying system. This process is called dehydration, where controlled heat and airflow reduce the moisture content. As water evaporates, the strips shrink, curl, and develop a darker orange color. The finished product is collected in large batches, ready for further handling and packaging. #pumpkin #pumpkinprocessing #foodprocessing #foodfactory #agriculture